A POWER giant came under fire today, as two of its York customers revealed they have not been sent an electricity bill for nearly a YEAR.

The Evening Press has recently reported the plight of several local people who have received incorrect electricity bills for thousands of pounds from npower.

But in an ironic twist, Kenneth Watson, of Stamford Street East, Leeman Road, and Susan Woodfine, of Grassholme, Woodthorpe, are still waiting for their first bills from the company.

Mrs Woodfine signed up to npower after moving house in December 2000, but has not received an electricity bill from them since April 2001.

"They told me the problem has been caused by an incorrect meter reading," she said.

"It's not good enough - the bill will be massive if I ever get it."

Mrs Woodfine says she has complained to npower several times both in writing and on the phone.

She has now reported them to Energywatch, the national watchdog for gas and electricity customers. "It seems their whole system is at fault," she said.

"They either send bills that are way too much or don't send any at all."

Mr Watson says he has not received a bill from npower since last July when his meter system was changed. "I've had every excuse going," he said. "Fortunately I've put money aside to cover the bill but I shouldn't have to. They are completely incompetent."

A spokeswoman for npower said both customers would be compensated for the delay.

"We apologise for the inconvenience caused," she said.

"We're sorry it has taken so long to send a bill out. The problem will be dealt with as soon as possible - hopefully within ten working days."

The Evening Press reported yesterday that eco-friendly couple Don and Helen Recchia, from Flaxton, near York, had been sent incorrect electricity bills by npower totalling thousands of pounds.

Meanwhile, York pensioner Lol Lea of Acomb received an incorrect electricity bill from npower for £2,500.

matthew.woodcock@ycp.co.uk

Updated: 11:05 Friday, March 07, 2003